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4.23 AVERAGE
4.23 AVERAGE
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Where to start? I loved the audio, but the artwork in the print copy was so perfect. I ended up listening, but going back to look at the artwork. This book brought back all the feelings of that being a kid on the “outside”. The author’s ability to capture their history and convey it in such an impactful way, I am still smiling and crying. Rowan’s story will be with me and by extension, Lexie’s will be with me for a long time. I will be recommending this book and sharing it with everyone. Thank you Lexie for sharing your story through Rowan!
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
As a genderfluid trans masc person, this book was really important to me. Fantastic for readers of any age. It is coming-of-age story about friendship, broken homes, and self-acceptance. It addresses the experience of growing up trans and queer and growing up in an unaccepting household and society. CW: implied incest and sexual assault.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism, Bullying, Child abuse, Homophobia, Transphobia, Lesbophobia
Minor: Incest, Sexual assault
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was the first book I've read featuring a trans character (which is actually kind of sad??). Im not trans myself but I've had friends that transitioned.
I know I couldn't even come close to knowing their journey or thoughts on transitioning but The Ship We Built gave me quite a good insight on it and helped me better understand what the process is like (though I know its probably different for everyone!).
Written from an elementary school kids perspective for kids was such a wonderful touch that I didn't even realize. Because there are transgendered kids. And they need that representation just as much if not more than older kids and adults.
Watching Rowan's thought process through letters was so unique and really gave a nice personal touch to the character as well as his struggles with both his gender identity and his relationship with his dad (a little bit of a trigger warning there - it wasn't explicitly said but there was some evidence of possible sexual abuse) his friends, and most importantly, his friend Sofie. I hope everyone has a Sofie in their lives.
In the end, it was an enjoyable book with good representation and made me more aware of what trans people potentially go through every day which is something I think everyone needs to learn more about.
I know I couldn't even come close to knowing their journey or thoughts on transitioning but The Ship We Built gave me quite a good insight on it and helped me better understand what the process is like (though I know its probably different for everyone!).
Written from an elementary school kids perspective for kids was such a wonderful touch that I didn't even realize. Because there are transgendered kids. And they need that representation just as much if not more than older kids and adults.
Watching Rowan's thought process through letters was so unique and really gave a nice personal touch to the character as well as his struggles with both his gender identity and his relationship with his dad (a little bit of a trigger warning there - it wasn't explicitly said but there was some evidence of possible sexual abuse) his friends, and most importantly, his friend Sofie. I hope everyone has a Sofie in their lives.
In the end, it was an enjoyable book with good representation and made me more aware of what trans people potentially go through every day which is something I think everyone needs to learn more about.
challenging
emotional
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Absolutely beautiful!
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
My ultimate test of a good book is if you continue the story of the main character in your mind after you have read the book. And if you miss the character. I dearly miss Rowen, I want to know the rest of their story. How do they grow up? Are they happy? I imagine in my mind that they are one happy young adult, because I want that for them.